Lekki Port Berths CMA-CGM RABELAIS; Largest Vessel with Capacity of 6,570 TEUs

In a prompt display of capacity to meet and indeed surpass stakeholders’ expectations, Lekki Deep Seaport on Friday 19th May 2023 berthed a 300 Meter Length Over All (LOA) vessel.

The vessel christened CMA-CGM RABELAIS, has an impressive capacity of 6570 TEUs and will be discharging and loading export cargoes in exchange.

The journey of the vessel originated from Shanghai, China and called Lekki Port.

The CMA CGM Rabelais has set a new record for the port and, indeed, the Lagos Pilotage District, as being the largest vessel in ship dimensions to berth in the district, second only to the largest FPSO in the world, Total’s Egina FPSO.

The vessel, safely manoeuvered to berth by the Nigerian Ports Authority led by Pilot Fagbo Sayid, sailed from Shanghai and made brief stops at Kribi and Cotonou before sailing to Lekki Port.

According to the Managing Director, Lekki Port, Du Ruogang, this milestone attests to the readiness of the port to become a major hub for global trade and logistics, which is evident in its capacity to receive larger vessels.

Commenting on the milestone, the Asst. Harbour Master for Lekki Port, Captain Monday Gajere said the thorough navigation risk assessment involving Pilots, Tugs, and Mooring gangs which set the pace for seamless berthing of the large cargo carrier is a demonstration of the Authority’s talent-readiness to maximize the competitive advantages that Lekki Port deep draught and state-of-the-art equipment offers as Nigeria advances towards attaining Port hub status.

Responding to the development, Mohammed Bello Koko, Managing Director/CEO said “the fact that this vessel is departing country on the same day it berthed is a fulfillment of our promise to deliver speedy cargo dwell time through improved efficiencies, and state of the art machinery and I am delighted to assure you that we are committed to continuously improving on this milestone”.